"The actions of extremists who use violent and illegal tactics are utterly reprehensible and beyond contempt," Block said. "UCLA police continue to work with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to bring to justice those responsible for such unconscionable acts, and I encourage anyone with information to come forward."

UCLA immediately increased the reward it is offering by $25,000. UCLA, the FBI, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Los Angeles police and fire departments are now offering a combined $445,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for five separate acts of violence directed at UCLA researchers.

In a March 9 website posting, extremists claimed responsibility for torching the vehicle outside the Westside residence of a UCLA researcher. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and destroyed. There were no injuries. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of March 7. The vehicle was owned by a UCLA professor and neuroscientist investigating treatments for various psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, as well as drug addiction and other disorders.

The FBI is leading the investigation and can be reached at 310-477-6565.

Chancellor Block emphasized that UCLA is committed to continuing legal and tightly regulated animal research that is critical to the development of treatments and cures for medical conditions such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. He said UCLA will continue to aggressively pursue legal remedies to safeguard researchers and their families.

For background on UCLA animal research and the threat posed by extremists, visit this site.